Protecting Horses Against Coyote and Other Night Predator Attacks

By Nite Guard LLC
02-Aug-2011

Today we received a call from a customer who was concerned about coyote around their horses. This prompted me to locate a great article that Jim Meyer, the inventor of Nite Guard Solar® once wrote for a major horse publication. Don't miss the GREAT testimonial at the end of this article as well!

Protecting Horses Against Coyote and Other Night Predator Attacks

Written by Jim Meyer, Inventor of Nite Guard Solar®

The damage and injury from night animals to horses, especially foals, can be a serious problem. The trauma inflicted on these animals we love so much is extremely hard to witness, and the cost can be immeasurable. Physiological and behavioral stress, as well as bodily injury often occurs. Coyote, coydogs, cougar and wolf are often the culprits and are becoming extremely bold as man moves into their territory. Once again, the conflict goes on between man and wild ‐ each species attempting to live out their lives while inadvertently invading one another’s territory.

The extra labor people put into bringing their stock to buildings or protected paddocks each night is considerable and it can be hard on the animals during the extreme heat of summer. The other option is to leave them out during the night hours; however the risk of predation prevents many owners from doing this. Studies have shown that even the odor of coyote, wolf or bear will increase the heart rate of horses, especially when predator movement is also involved. Little wonder.

It does seem however, that horses tend to sense the difference between one type of predator from another. For instance, coyotes coming into or near a paddock or pasture during the day seem to have little effect on horses; a cougar is a different story. Horses perhaps, see the coyote as just another dog, whereas the cougar or wolf, because of their size, present a threat. Night time visits change this perception.

Coyotes are more of a threat to foals as they are reluctant to attack a full grown horse except out of desperate hunger and then they do so in large packs. Coyotes tend to be smaller and do not always run in large packs, but rather as singles or in groups of two or three. This is not the case when it comes to larger animals such as wolves or coydogs (cross between a coyote and a dog). Coydogs, which fear humans less, are especially threatening as they do run in packs, will take down an adult horse, and are much more aggressive with their attacks. Even though full grown horses have been known to stomp or kick these predator animals to death, the coydogs remain ruthless. Cougar clearly are large enough and strong enough to do severe damage or kill any type of livestock and they usually instill a deep fear into horses. Wolves almost always run in packs and are efficient and patient killers. Any of these predators, of course, will chase horses causing them to bolt into or through fencing often sustaining injuries.

These night predators are all intent on finding another meal and often become more aggressive if they are having a tough time finding available food or have experienced a difficult winter with deep snow and cold. All of these factors put horses more at risk and the risks are very real to any horse owner who has experienced these attacks. One thing is certain, the investment in horses is huge for most people and protecting them against harm is a constant concern and should be part of the investment. With the right safety system in place you and your animals as well as the predators can live in harmony.

There are many predator deterrents on the market today that could help, however, most require the animals to come in close to either activate the device (motion activated) or for the animal to be close enough to sense the repellant smell. What is really most effective is for the deterrent to stop these predators at a distance. This is especially true when protecting horses.

Nite Guard Solar® is a relatively new product (12 year old company )that is designed to stop predators from a distance. Using solar energy for power, (sunlight or daylight), it turns on automatically at dark and gives off a powerful flash of red light that replicates the blink of a human or another predator’s eye. It has also has been confirmed by animal behavior experts that this flash of light represents an “eye” to night animals and that they are indeed being watched and feel threatened. Nite Guard Solar’s flash of light is not annoying to neighbors and is ignored by pets and livestock. The flash is emitted through a weatherproof, soundless unit that appears to the casual, or not so casual, observer to be a security system in place. A secondary benefit that most users greatly appreciate.

Horse owners across the country are discovering the benefits of this amazing product as testified by Dr. David Ranson:

“Occasionally in the plethora of new farm/stable products that come along there is one that truly is revolutionary and useful. In my geographical area, my farm has been haunted by coyotes which would endanger my mares and foals during their nighttime turnout schedules. Since I have placed Nite Guard in my pastures and paddocks, I have not seen nor heard these predators which could harm my valuable livestock. I can now rest well at night knowing that my pastures are safe. Many thanks from Equivest Racing for the product Nite Guard”.

-David Ranson, M.D. Racing Manager, Equivest Racing Charleston, WVA

About the author:
Jim Meyer is the owner and founder of Nite Guard, LLC, a 12 year old company that manufacturers the product Nite Guard Solar®. He has written many articles concerning animal predation and how to control it. His company is recognized as one of the top consulting firms on animal predation in the country.

I was able to pick up four Nite Guards at a very reasonable price and
have installed them on my Guinea coop near the one I won at the Guinea
Fest two years ago. That first one is still working every night since
I've installed it. But, have increased the size of the Guinea pen and
figured I needed additional lights.

C. Eisemann, Indian Mound, TN

Thank you, Thank you! I have raised chickens for seven years and every year I have lost most of my flock to raccoons and minks.
I have tried everything and nothing worked. I installed Nite Guards all
around the barn in 2008 and now my chickens and goats are very, very
happy…and alive! Thank you again Nite Guard!

D. Baker, Garret Co., MD

Occasionally in the plethora of new farm/stable products products that come along there is one that truly is revolutionary and useful. In my geographical area, my farm has been haunted by coyotes which would endanger my mares and foals during their nighttime turnout schedules. Since I have placed Nite Guard Solar lights in my pastures and paddocks, I have not seen nor heard these predators which could harm my valuable livestock. I can now rest at night knowing that my pastures are safe. Many thanks from Equivest Racing for the Nite Guard Solar product.

David Ranson, M.D. Racing Manager for Equivest Racing

We are pleased with the results of the four Nite Guard lights we have
installed. We haven't had any bear problems in our field corn and
around the barn since. I have told a number of people about this
product. I am now getting these for our son to put around his small
farm. Thank you!

E. Fox, Smethport, PA

I have been using the original Nite Guard Solar® for over 6 years and
not only am I thrilled with how this sensible and effective product
works, but I am also extremely pleased with the exceptional customer service of the Nite Guard company.
I have kept in close communication with them over the years and
appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with others about what a
great family-owned company this is to work with. They certainly know the field of predation control! If
anyone wants to actually talk with me about the product or the
company-to prove I’m a real customer, just get in touch with Tammi or
Katie at Nite Guard and they can give you my contact info and I’ll tell
you myself.

Geri Spieler, Palo Alto, CA

We were going to send the lights back until your knowledgeable staff people took the time to work with us and corrected the way we had mounted them. They then worked perfectly to protect our birds after that. Thank you!

J. Topete, Live Oak, CA

I had a 10 acre remote piece of property and was plagued with break-ins
and trespassers. Since I put up Nite Guard Solar lights, I have not had
one incident.

K. Dupree, Moncks Corner, SC

My backyard seems to be raccoon alley. I have seen
at least 20+ in the years that I have lived here. In fact my dog goes
crazy on a regular basis at 1-3 a.m. because of the raccoons, skunks,
and opossums that come through my yard. I live within 50 yards of a
large open area. The Nite Guard Solar lights have been terrific in that I
have not had a single problem with the critters invading my coop over
the past 2-3 years since using the lights around my chicken pen. I’m
trying to keep the streak alive!